Clewiston For Your Information
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NOTE: There will be no solid waste collection on Labor Day, September 5, 2022. Monday’s routes will be collected on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
Dates to Remember
September 5 – Labor Day Holiday – City Offices Closed
September 7 - City Commission Budget Workshop
September 7 - City Commission Tentative Millage & Budget Hearing
September 15 - Golf Course Advisory Board Meeting
September 19 - City Commission Meeting
September 20 - Special Magistrate Hearing
Citizens, Business Owners & Other Interested Parties:
Readers of these FYI updates hopefully will readily note that a concerted effort is made to avoid or at least minimize the use of “I” when commenting on city activities. The emphasis is placed upon a “we” or a team approach as the reality is seldom can the goals of a community be realized or significantly advanced without the cooperation and teamwork efforts of the entire organization including an engaged and supportive group of elected officials and citizenry. Comments this month lead off with a personal reference solely to emphasize a point in time when my Clewiston experience began.
On July 22, 2019, my professional journey in a leadership role of this organization commenced. During the ensuing three years, in my humble opinion, much has occurred which collectively has advanced the municipal government priorities of Clewiston as determined by the elected Commission members who charged city administration to focus on making a real difference in the community. Leaving it to individual opinions to judge the degree of success achieved thus far, this update is intended to simply note a few highlights during the period with a sprinkling of expected outcomes to follow. In this writing, focus will be limited to some of the more noteworthy items particularly in the category of infrastructure enhancements that in many cases have been in various forms on the city’s radar for some time prior. These comments are offered not as a critique of past efforts. It is acknowledged that widespread economic factors beyond the city’s control particularly in the prior decade certainly contributed to adverse impacts on city financial condition and inherent delays in addressing capital project priorities and the prevailing reduced availability of federal and state resources during the period was also a significant limiting factor.
From a financial management perspective, city administrative efforts have been laser focused on absolute compliance and adherence to established municipal policies and regulatory guidelines particularly in the development of a fiscally conservative yet responsible annual operating budget and in the development of an effective comprehensive annual financial and independent auditor reporting system combined with a re-emphasized and longer term (ten-year) capital improvement planning (CIP) effort. The city has clearly made significant improvement in this area having resolved long term shortcomings and being able to accurately proclaim policy compliance achievements, as well as, an overall much improved fiscal condition. The upcoming fiscal year budget development process continues to address priority needs in this regard and management is confident the degree of improvement is expected to be sustained into the foreseeable future as the commission makes difficult decisions to ensure the overall financial security of city government assets and operations while recognizing the need and value of adherence to conservative budget management principles consistent with the community’s demographic profile and limitations.
To achieve the commission priorities, the city administrative leadership team has also been restructured with the hopes of further improving efficiency by streamlining operations and adding new areas of responsibility while attracting some excellent new talent to the organization in key staffing roles. Particularly noteworthy in terms of results has been extensive improvements in intergovernmental cooperation with other agencies, particularly with Hendry County, in all facets of government services but most notably in administration; public safety, especially law enforcement including animal services and fire protection services; public utilities; emergency management; and, recreation and leisure services. The results have seen improved communications, updated inter-local agreements replacing decades old outdated versions for critical public safety and other service achievements specifically including the completion of a long anticipated and extremely important upgrade to upgrade to E-911 emergency communications systems which achieves compliance with state legislative mandates dictating functional interoperability standards for primary Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) serving all of Hendry County including the cities.
As for other major priorities:
• East Ventura Avenue from South Francisco to its intersection with Deane Duff, the city street section deemed to be in the worst overall condition, has been upgraded by use of a $1.3 million combination of local and state grant funds and recently resurfaced with major enhancements to the adjacent stormwater management system being simultaneously completed. The city has also secured grant funding of $1.9 million and begun planning for a complete enhancement of the adjacent remaining “downtown” area street section in need of improvement including West Ventura from Deane Duff to W.C. Owen. The next major identified street section improvement need for North Francisco Street has received a legislative grant appropriation of $0.5 million and the city has applied for the necessary remaining funding to complete the project in the next cycle of state transportation improvement funds in the amount of an additional approximate $1 million appropriation to comprehensively improve this important street section that provides critical access to the Lake Okeechobee recreation access and facilities area where the city is in the process of completing a grant funded master plan to identify potential future recreation, leisure and tourism related improvement needs.
• The city has contracted and substantially completed the first two phases of water line enhancements in much of the older “downtown” area of Clewiston in the vicinity of Alverdez, Ventura and Commercio street sections where water pressure and improved fire protection capabilities for this area have been a recognized need and priority for a long time. Private investment interest of new and existing businesses in the area has been adversely impacted by the deficiencies and the positive outcomes are already being recognized by ongoing projects in the vicinity that are impacted by the improvements. This has spurred the Commission to recently award the third phase of the water line improvement project to further improve customer service and public safety. These water improvement projects collectively are being funded with approximately $1 million in federal grant funding secured by the city. Looking ahead, the city is also engaged in completing the process of finalizing the addition of 27 corridor zoning regulation changes to facilitate improved development conditions and outcomes in advance of leveraging enhanced private investment in the corridor coupled with the use of targeted Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) restricted funding resources to make strategic public investments in the designated areas. This process is being undertaken consistent with the commission adopted results of a 27 corridor Vision Plan prepared for the city during the period by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
• The city has contracted with Zep Construction to undertake the long discussed project to build an elevated bridge to provide improved access (C-21) to the Herbert Hoover Dike (HHD). The $5.6 million plus transportation improvement will significantly improve access to the Lake Okeechobee recreation area for all visitors and users and is entirely funded with a grant provided to the city from the state through the efforts of Clewiston’s legislative delegation. The contractor is in the startup phase and is expected to initiate mobilization activities to the site within the next month or so. Mobilization is being coordinated by the city and its contractor in cooperation with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) officials, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the FDOT. The city has a long term lease for much of the area including the location of the bridge site from SFWMD and the USACE owns the HHD where the balance of the recreation area maintained by the city is located. On behalf of the state, FDOT has oversight responsibilities for the project funding. The HHD site itself has undergone a major renovation project over the past three years and the USACE contractor for that project has completed construction project activities in the vicinity of the new bridge site. Access control fencing has recently been removed and the temporary canal crossing located west of the new bridge location will soon be removed as well. During the project, the city will maintain access to the recreation area to the extent possible utilizing the existing grade level canal crossing, but public access will be limited at times to portions of the area and traffic patterns will be adjusted to accommodate the safety of the public and the contractor employees engaged in the construction activities. The C-21 bridge project is scheduled for completion in late 2023.
• In another partnership opportunity with the USACE, the city has contracted and will see completion by early 2023 of an environmentally friendly and important federally funded $1 million “septic-to-sewer” project to comprehensively convert the entirety of the USACE’s Clewiston located administrative and maintenance complex from dated individual septic systems to the city’s public wastewater collection and treatment system.
• The city has substantially completed several phases of a comprehensive wastewater collection and disposal system inflow and infiltration improvement project utilizing state grant and no interest loans in the cumulative amount of approximately $6 million to address system deficiencies outlined in a 2018 state-mandated consent order for the city to achieve and maintain compliance with state environmental and regulatory permit requirements for the entire aged city wastewater management system. The city continues to pursue full funding sources for its planned wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) upgrade and expansion needs with grant applications for up to $13 million under consideration. Of this total, the city has garnered a congressional endorsement and expects to receive an official award of $3 million in federal grant funding in 2023 to undertake the initial phase of WWTP improvements including necessary prerequisites to treatment capacity expansion which provide additional environmental enhancement benefits.
• The city is in the middle of an important utility infrastructure and customer service enhancement project which will be completed in 2023 utilizing a combination of grant and low interest loan funds for a $2.5 million automated metering infrastructure (AMI) system to replace all the city utility system electric and water meters with new equipment. The entire system will provide much enhanced technology capabilities including cost-effective and enhanced reliability, real-time secure meter remote monitoring and communication capabilities and expanded account access for the city and each utility customer.
• Also in the important area of public utility infrastructure enhancements aimed at positively impacting future economic development efforts, the city and county have partnered to successfully leverage from the state legislature funding of approximately $9 million to extend necessary water main and wastewater forcemain facilities to serve underdeveloped and undeveloped properties in need of improved public utilities services and fire protection capabilities west of the city along the 27 corridor to and including the site of the Airglades International Airport. The county has completed construction of the first phase of the wastewater forcemain and will soon award a contract for the balance of the project which when completed will be connected to the city WWTP and maintained by the city going forward. The city expects to design, bid and begin construction in 2023 of the parallel water main improvements along the corridor and provide enhanced public water and fire protection services to the entire area including the airport utilizing the existing county-owned ground water storage tank facility.
• The city has completed the sale to private economic interests of all the remaining property included in the city developed Commerce Park. This is a long awaited milestone achievement for the city as the development of the properties is expected to be impactful with the potential creation of an estimated 300 new jobs and private investment projected in the $30-40 million range at build out. The city has already garnered $1.7 million in gross receipts from the land sales which bolstered reserve funds and satisfied outstanding utility inter-fund loans for the initial business development in Commerce Park.
• The city has completed the initial phases of planned comprehensive parks, recreation and leisure facility upgrades with: a partially donation funded major renovation of the youth center including the addition of donated state-of-the art technology equipment which will facilitate new youth oriented after school and summer programs; a completed partially grant funded overall improvement of Trinidad Park facilities with a soon to be constructed additional enhancement of the site’s playground equipment that is also being funded with a state grant and matching private donations; partially donation funded site, façade and facility improvements to the historic city golf course; and, soon to be completed donation funded playground equipment additions at three existing small neighborhood parks with future plans to expand upgrades at all city park locations. Also deemed a major priority, the city is actively pursuing in the 2023 budget, subject to commission final adoption, partially donation funded improvements necessary to reopen the historic pool facility.
This is a short list of several major accomplishments and in-process achievements that the city should be proud of, but it is imperative that the team be diligent in satisfactorily completing remaining steps to finalize all current projects and activities while remaining focused on the pursuit of outstanding priority needs not yet achieved. Thus is the nature of a responsive, progressive, goal-oriented, properly functioning local government public service agency bent upon improving and sustaining the community’s quality of life conditions long term.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in the City of Clewiston.
Randy Martin
Recreation & Leisure Services Director Lauren McGinnis reports:
• I am thrilled to be the new Director of Recreation and Leisure Services! We are working to get the newly remodeled Youth Center fully open with all new technology by the end of the month. We will be offering a wide variety of programs and services in the building, an official opening date will be announced via social media once we have it locked in. Let’s not forget about our beautiful City Parks! Keep a look out for some fun community events coming soon! I am looking forward to seeing everyone enjoying all of the fun things we have on the horizon.
• Get all information of what’s going on at Clewiston Golf Course Facebook.
• Get on our E-mail list by going to the City of Clewiston website. Go to the golf course division and at the bottom of the page you can sign-up on Constant Contact and get all Clewiston Golf Course information.
• Rates have changed for the summer for non-members (Reduced). $32.00 plus tax for 18 holes and $15.50 plus tax for 9 holes. If you pay for 18 holes you can play as many as you want in the same day.
• Walking is permitted all day.
• Golf Shop hours are 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The first tee time is 7:45 a.m. Carts are due in at 7:15 p.m. daily. The golf course is open 6 days a week (Closed on Mondays for the summer months).
• Advertise a Tee Sign out on the golf course. If you are interested in advertising your business at the golf course call 863-983-1448.
• The driving range is closed on Mondays in the summer months.
• Clewiston Golf Course has a driving range. The driving range has lights so you can hit golf balls after (Night Time) hours. Tokens for the range ball machine can be purchased in the golf shop or the Clewiston Police Department after hours.
• Golf lessons and Club Repair are available at the club from PGA Professional Robbie Rush. Contact golf shop at 863-983-1448.
• Clewiston Golf Course can supply all your golfing needs. You can inquire in the golf shop for whatever merchandise you need.
• The golf course is open for play on Labor Day, September 5, 2022.
• U.S. Sugar has scheduled their Employee Golf Outing for Saturday September 10, 2022.
Community Development Director/Fire Chief Travis Reese reports:
• Big Lots is set to begin constructing the interior of the building.
• Pittman Enterprises has completed construction on their new location at 544 E. Obispo.
• Laliza Latin Café at 108 E. Sugarland Hwy. is under new management with a new expanded menu, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Punto Rojo Restaurant & Bakery at 728 E. Sugarland Hwy is now open for business, also serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• 720 Nutrition LLC has been issued their business tax receipt and should be opening soon at 720 E. Sugarland Hwy, they will be mixing up health juices.
• Library staff provided ready reference/computer assistance, circulation activities, and patron programming to 1,550 patrons this month.
• This month’s programming activities have included:
o Monday Movie Madness was held on August 1 and 5. There were a total of 64 participants.
o Sea critters drawing and crafting was held on Tuesday, August 2 with a total 32 participants.
o My Plate presentation with Maria from Health Department and Ocean craft were held Thursday, August 4 with a total 29 participants.
o Anime Club In- Person and Virtual was held on August 16, 19, 22, 23, and 29. This club is continuing to grow. We had two new members this month. Feel free to join us. Check our event calendar for a full list of upcoming anime events.
o LEGO Builders Club was held Thursday, August 25. This month’s challenge was to build their own masterpiece. Stop by and check out the library’s LEGO bricks display.
o The Adult Book Club met on August 29 to discuss “American Dirt” written by Jeanine Cummins. Come join the fun at our next TWO meetings: Monday, September 26 at 2 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. to discuss the newest book club title, “Run, Rose, Run” by Dolly Parton and James Patterson. With lively discussions, this group truly enjoys their meetings as they exchange their thoughts about each new title.
Highlighted Programs and Events:
• September is library card sign-up month: Find your voice at the la, la, la, library. It’s a great time to get a LIBRARY CARD! Anyone who lives, works, or owns property in Hendry County qualifies for a free library card. There is nothing more empowering than getting your own library card. It gives you access to books, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs, eBooks, learning software, library programs and more all for FREE! If you don’t have a library card, visit us at the Clewiston Public Library and get yours today. Bring a photo ID and proof of current address, such as a driver’s license. Children under 18 may be issued cards if accompanied by a parent or guardian with a photo ID and proof of current address. For more information, visit www.hendylibraries.org or call 863-983-1493. Happy Library Card Sign-Up Month!
• Anime Club
o In-Person: Anime Club meets every Friday from 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. We will be watching anime provided courtesy of Crunchyroll and talking about your favorite manga.
o Via Zoom: We invite tweens and teens to join us every Monday at 3:30 p.m. To register, email library@clewiston-fl.gov to receive Zoom log-in information. If you are under 18, please be sure to have a guardian’s permission to participate in this online event.
• Bear Scavenger Hunt: Bring your children to the library anytime from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting Friday, September 9 until Friday, September 30 for a PAW-SOME “Bear Scavenger Hunt” around the library! Ages 5-7.
• Annual meeting of the Friends of the Clewiston Library: The annual meeting will be held on Monday, September 12 at 5 p.m. in the library. All current and prospective members are invited.
• LEGO Builders Club: LEGO Club meets again on Thursday, September 22 at 3:45 p.m. We’ll supply the LEGO bricks, you get to come to create!
• Step into the world of Virtual & Augmented Reality: Explore, learn, create, and play with VR at the library. Stop by anytime between 3 to 4:15 p.m. on September 13, 14, 15, 20, and 21. Drop-in session for children and adults. Email library@clewiston-fl.gov or call 863-983-1493 to save your space, RSVP appreciated but not required.
• The Library will be CLOSED Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day. Normal hours will resume Tuesday, September 6 at 9 a.m.
• SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) and Area Agency on Aging-Southwest Florida will be hosting virtual classes for anyone interested in learning more about Medicare! To register for upcoming webinars, email library@clewiston-fl.gov or call 863-983-1493.
• Are you ready to earn your high school diploma? The Career Online High School program allows individuals to earn an accredited high school diploma for FREE and at your own pace within the comfort of your own home or anywhere internet access is available. Participants finish not only with their high school diploma but also with a career certification and the tools needed to succeed in their chosen field. Applicants who successfully complete the following will be considered for enrollment: an “Are You Ready Survey,” a prerequisite course, and an in-person interview at the Clewiston Library. Learn more about the program, including how to enroll and available scholarship opportunities, visit http://www.hendrylibraries.org or call the Clewiston Public Library at 863-983-1493. Your future is free and only one call away!
• Need a place to hold a meeting? What about a computer lab to host your organization’s/company’s training? The Clewiston Library offers a classroom and computer lab with a total of 16 computers for use. For more information or to secure the room, please stop in or call the library at any time.
• If you have not done so already, please join our Facebook page (Clewiston Public Library) in order to remain up to date on the library’s events and programs.
Recap of Upcoming Events:
• Anime Club (In-Person) – Friday, September 2 at 3:30 p.m.
• Medicare 101 via Zoom – Wednesday, September 7 at noon
• Bear Scavenger Hunt– Friday, September 9 – Friday, September 30
• Anime Club (In-Person) – Friday, September 9 at 3:30 p.m.
• Anime Club Via Zoom – Monday, September 12 at 3:30 p.m.
• Annual Meeting of the Friends of Clewiston Library – Monday, September 12 at 5 p.m.
• Explore Virtual Reality – Tuesday, September 13 from 3 to 4:15 p.m.
• Medicare Part C Via Zoom – Wednesday, September 14 at noon
• Explore Virtual Reality & Board Games – Wednesday, September 14 from 3 to 4:15 p.m.
• Explore Virtual Reality – Thursday, September 15 from 3 to 4:15 p.m.
• Anime Club (In-Person) – Friday, September 16 at 3:30 p.m.
• Anime Club Via Zoom – Monday, September 19th at 3:30 p.m.
• Medicare Part D Via Zoom – Tuesday, September 20 at noon
• Explore Virtual Reality – Tuesday, September 20 from 3 to 4:15 p.m.
• Explore Virtual Reality – Wednesday, September 21 from 3: – 4:15 p.m.
• LEGO Builders Club – Thursday, September 22 at 3:45 p.m.
• Anime Club In-Person – Friday, September 23 at 3:30 p.m.
• Book Club – Monday, September 26 at 2:00 and 5:15 p.m.
• Anime Club Via Zoom – Monday, September 26 at 3:30 p.m.
• Medicare Open enrollment – Wednesday, September 28 at noon
• Afterschool Snack Decorating – Wednesday, September 28 at 3:45 p.m.
Sec. 102-118. - Landscape maintenance.
(b)Maintenance of sidewalk areas as public right-of-way.
(1)It shall be the responsibility of all property owners to maintain grass and landscaping which exists in street right-of-way swales and easements adjoining their properties. Grass in such areas shall not be allowed to exceed eight inches in height.
(2)Grass and landscaping which exist near or around sidewalk areas shall be maintained by adjoining property owners. Sidewalks shall be kept free of grass and weeds and shall be cleaned of sand, dirt and trash.
(Code 1999, § 102-129; Ord. No. 2005-13, pt. 2, 12-19-2005)
Sec. 70-47. - Prohibited on sidewalks.
Sec. 70-47. - Prohibited on sidewalks.
The parking of a motor vehicle on any portion of a sidewalk is prohibited.
(Code 1960, § 23-4.1; Code 1982, § 19-17; Code 1999, § 70-62)
Code Enforcement personnel will begin focused enforcement on these ordinances in September as well as continued enforcement of all City of Clewiston Ordinances.
The complete City of Clewiston Ordinances are available online and may be accessed utilizing the City of Clewiston website: https://www.clewiston-fl.gov/ or Municode Library website: https://library.municode.com/fl/clewiston/codes/code_of_ordinances
If you have any questions about how to achieve/maintain compliance with this or any other City of Clewiston Ordinance you may contact our office at 863-983-1454 extension 309.
On August 4, 2022, the police department staff conducted four applicant interviews for Police Officer and Reserve Police Officer. Currently, the department has only one vacancy for Police Officer. A conditional offer of employment has been extended and that applicant is now in the background phase of the process.
During the week of August 8, 2022, Chief Lewis attended the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s 70th Annual Summer Training Conference in Palm Beach Gardens. Chief Lewis currently serves as a member of the state committee on Professional Standards and the training included topics such as Recruiting and Retention, Workplace Culture, and Managing Generational Differences. Legislative Panels provided additional insight on other various topics and included speakers such as Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, United States Senator Marco Rubio, and several members of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives.
The Police Department understands and appreciates the importance of our business community. On August 11, 2022 through August 18, 2022, patrol officers were challenged in a Business Community Connections competition. Chief Lewis and Commander Brophy donated a brand new tactical bag and two gift cards to kick-off this new department initiative. Officers who made contact with business owners, managers, and employees from at least 25 different city businesses – and developed a Community Connection – were entered into the drawing. On August 19, Officer Rebecca Myers was selected by random drawing as the winner. Congratulations to our first winner and a huge thank you to our businesses that couldn’t be more supportive.
On August 16, 2022, the police department travelled to the Collier County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and picked-up two more lightly used workstations. Previously, stations were repurposed at the police department to create a more functional City EOC should we ever need to activate due to a natural disaster or other emergency. This time, we were provided two additional stations that served to upgrade our dispatch console furniture. We need to extend another huge thank you to Collier County EOC staff for the furniture as well as our friends at the Hendry County EOC for setting everything in motion.
On August 17, 2022, we had a visit from former CPD Officer Richard Jones - who is now the Chief of Police of Ocean Ridge Police Department. He came back to town to share information and resources from his department - a true public servant who is always giving back!
On August 23, 2022, Chief Lewis and Sergeant Levins visited the Lake Clarke Shores Police Department.
On July 22, 2022, at approximately 7:15pm, Clewiston Animal Services received a call about a dog being thrown out of a maroon Kia on the corner of Olympia Street and Aztec Avenue. If anyone has information about this incident you are asked to call the Clewiston Police Department or SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Tips called in to Crime Stoppers are 100% anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000 for information that helps our detective make an arrest in this case. We are asking the community to share this information.
In the first 29 days of August 2022, Animal Services reported the intake of 1 coyote, 1 raccoon, 36 cats and 120 dogs.
On August 8, 2022, Animal Services staff received a call from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office regarding a possible animal hoarding case in Montura. The owner of the property subsequently surrendered more than 65 dogs to the shelter. Like many other local shelters, we were already over-capacity when the call came in. The majority of the dogs, which many needed medical care, were networked to the below listed rescues over a several day period. We want to extend a huge thank you to each and every one of them.
DC Dogos, American Belgian Malinois Rescue, Doberman Rescue Concern, Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic and Ranch, Mutty Paws Rescue, Caloosa Humane Society, Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue, Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines Inc., Humane Society of Naples, Shepherd Help and Rescue Effort, Inc. (S.H.A.R.E.), Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Paws Crossed, Big Cypress German Shepherd Rescue, and Gulf Coast Humane Society
On August 26, 2022, Chief Lewis and Sergeant Tom Levins attended the ‘Business of Saving Lives Conference’ hosted in Jupiter, Florida by the Furry Friend Adoption Clinic and Ranch. This free training focused on best practices and was taught by staff from the Helen Woodward Animal Center (from San Diego, California).
On August 29, 2022, the department held employment interviews for the vacant Animal Control Officer position. Three applicants were interviewed and the process continues to find a replacement for former Animal Control Officer Jayleen Rodriguez.
During the week of August 1, 2022, Sergeant Willie Roberts attended Building and Maintaining a Sound Behavioral Climate course hosted by the Fort Pierce Police Department. This will assist Sergeant Roberts in his efforts with the Police Explorers Unit.
On August 3, 2022, Detective Williams attended a Shift Wellness / Psycho Educational Program. This course was hosted in Plantation, Florida and focused on the mental health of employees and a blended work shift. As we learn more about the effects of law enforcement and related suicide rates, the department is committed to educating our employees and being more aware of their needs.
During the weeks of August 8, 2022, Detective Williams attended a Gangs and Security Threat Groups training class. This grant-funded course was hosted by the Southwest Florida Public Safety Academy in Fort Myers, Florida. The class focused on traditional and non-traditional threat groups – some that travel the state in organized crime rings to commit various crimes. The education and networking this training provided is invaluable should these threats visit our area.
During the first two weeks of August, Sergeant Willie Roberts attended the Criminal Justice Instructor Techniques course. As the department charts a course toward accredited status, this will enable us to conduct more in-house training on a regular schedule. Two courses, Criminal Justice Leader Ethics and Conducting Background Investigations were hosted in Fort Pierce, Florida and were at no-cost to the police department.
On August 16, 2022, Sergeant Scruggs attended the TASER Instructor Course in North Palm Beach. The department will now be able to provide in-house instruction to new officers and refresher training to all sworn officers on an annual basis.
On August 17, 2022 and August 18, 2022 Sergeant Thomas Levins attended the Florida Advanced Search and Seizure and Florida Advanced Traffic Stops. These classes were hosted by the Okeechobee Sheriff’s Office.
During the week of August 22, 2022, Officer Estiverne attended Radar and Laser Speed Measurement training in Fort Myers. This grant-funded training was hosted by the Southwest Florida Public Safety Academy.
During the week of August 22, 2022, Commander Nieves attended the Homicide Investigations course hosted by the Altamonte Springs Police Department.
On August 23, 2022 and August 24, 2022, Administrative Assistant Valles attended the Managing the Accreditation Process course. This two-day course was taught by staff at the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. and hosted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Clewiston Utilities continues to work on the deployment of the new advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for the city’s electric and water systems. The purpose is to provide customers more control of their energy and water consumption and help enhance utility operations. A webpage (https://www.clewiston-fl.gov/ami) has been added to the city’s website to communicate to customers the benefits and project progress as well as answer frequently asked questions.
• Electric Crew Activities:
o Removed vegetation from electric lines
o repaired street lights
o replaced switch in the distribution substation
o removed and reinstalled transformers at Walmart for emergency generator installation by contractor, and removed old wires
o replaced bad conductor span on Trinidad Avenue
o changed connectors at residence
o installed three new cutouts and changed top pin on pole at Wastewater Treatment Plant,
o installed 12 poles for new feeder line to Wastewater Treatment Plant,
o installed some underground primary and junction boxes in Commerce Park,
o installed twelve AMI test meters
o put eagle voltage recorder on transformer to monitor voltage
o replaced two old underground services new on Lopez Street
o repaired underground service in Everglades Park
o closed fuse at Royals Furniture Store
• Water Sewer Crew Activities:
o Replaced three lift station pumps
o Trouble shoot bypass pump on Saginaw
o Repaired three water line breaks
• Customer Service Department
o Your Utility partners with customers to bring renewable power to the electric grid. If you’d like to learn more about net metering, please visit the FTC consumer information site at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0532-solar-power-your-home.
o Please remember to register with CodeRed (Reverse 911). This system allows us to contact you in case of an emergency or with other informational announcements. You may register by clicking on the CodeRed link at the bottom of the City‘s website page www.clewiston-fl.gov. You may update your information at any time through the same link.
o If you are considering replacing your air conditioner or attic insulation, remember the city offers a rebate program for those items. Most local contractors participate in the program and can give you more information. You can also visit our website at www.clewiston-fl.gov or call our office.
o IT’S LIGHTNING SEASON! Don’t forget to sign up for your meter based surge protection! Visit our office today.
o ONLINE BILL PAY IS AVAILABLE on our web site at www.clewiston-fl.gov or www.municipalonlinepayments.com/clewistonfl.
• Facility Maintenance:
o Repairs to include:
seven air conditioning systems,
minor plumbing repairs to the Police Department facility and boat basin restroom,
the ice machine in the Youth Center,
the water coolers at Stalls field,
entrance gate to the WW Treatment Plant,
and fence at the SLP Ball Fields.
o Staff installed an eye wash station in the Central Supply facility.
o Staff installed a projector screen in the Commission Chamber room.
• Street Division:
o Assisted other departments:
pick up Solid Waste piles throughout our city,
landscape maintenance in our parks and Ball Fields,
and mow at our Sub Station and Mosquito Control stations.
o Our pothole crew continues to battle potholes all over our town.
o Staff has been repairing damaged street signs and clearing vegetation to improve site lines.
o Staff continues to collect shopping carts and return them to the owners.
• Solid Waste:
o We are maintaining our collection routes.
o We continue to collect recycle materials from all city buildings
• Ball Fields:
o Staff continues to maintain playing surfaces for the adult softball league that is ending this month.
o A travel team is using one of the fields for practice.
o With another upcoming soccer season, staff continues to maintain our soccer fields for safe play.
• Recreation:
o Staff has been helping the Ball Field crew with pressure washing at the SLP Pavilion and other areas.
o Events are steady at the JBA and we keep the building clean and ready for use at all times.
o Staff continues to keep up with all needed repairs in our parks to ensure safe use for our residents.
o The Splash Pad is filled every day with very happy patrons.
o With the end of a successful Summer Camp season, the Youth Center is open for events.
• Central Garage:
o All emergency generator maintenance is performed to ensure proper working condition.
o In spite of overwhelming price increases and wait time for parts, our staff continues to ensure that all repairs are performed as promptly as possible.
